Pages

Friday, November 16, 2012

I am known to pack everything but the kitchen sink when we travel. However, this post isn't about that. It is about how we recently made some tweaks under the kitchen sink that makes us give random high fives and smile big!

What we started off with was a previously pretty and organized area under both the kitchen sink and within the drawer next to the sink...

Sure, it loooks organized, heck, it was. Until we stopped using so many paper towels and started using more rags, dishtowels and sponges {you know, to conserve a little}.

The drawer next to the sink was overflowing and yucky wet washing items were getting tossed inside. Under the sink was piling high with towels as well.

Nothing that a couple of stacking drawers couldn't fix!

By adding drawers under the sink, I was able to organize all of our extra sponges, wash rags and towels. Since the drawers are clear, everyone in the family knows where to find things. The best part about stacking drawers, is that they stack! Taking up less under sink space and using the vertical area inside instead!

And yes, I also tossed our smarty dish tablets into a clear airtight container. This way, my kids know where the dish tabs are when running the dishwasher, and I always know when we are running low.

I still love the Command Clips for hanging my cleaning gloves! That is a solution that has been working for years now!

Thanks to adding a few drawers below, I was able to make the small drawer next to the sink much more simple. I tossed in a piece of a vinyl placement that I cut down {for easy cleaning and so anything wet from washing doesn't damage the wood drawer}, and a small plate and dish to hold the scrubbers.

I have always kept an extra all purpose cleaning bottle under the sink, that I had replaced with vinegar {since I clean the sink and other random items with it from time to time}. A few times my husband has reached for the vinegar thinking it is all purpose cleaner, pew! So, I pulled the original labels off of the bottle and replaced them with my own.

I recently picked up this book to aid in greener cleaning around the home and to save me a little money down the road {green cleaners can add up!}.

So, I am hoarding all of my old cleaning bottles to de-label and eventually re-label and fill with my own home made cleaners. Wish me luck!

Anyway, back to under the sink. We have a recycle bin. We know this, however, our guest don't always and it has been mistaken as our garbage can {which is located in another area in our kitchen}. So, I labeled the recycle bin too!

I am such a sucker for cuteness!

So, now under our kitchen sink smiles back at me every time I open the doors, which just happens to be multiple times per day!

You know me, I always revisit oldie projects and tweak them until they are perfect. Hopefully, this is the last time me and under the sink ever have to meet.

Let's chat all things cleaning and under the sink and heck, let's even throw the label topic out there. What is the strangest thing you have labeled? Who has been making their own cleaners, and what tips do you have for me as I begin my venture?

I do keep a few cleaners under each bathroom sink {toilet bowl cleaner and disinfecting wipes for daily clean ups}, however, everything else lives in the caddy and has been working great. One wood cleaner, a window cleaner, a floor cleaner and an all purpose cleaner.

I found them at the Container Store {I always wait for their big Get Organized sale which seems to come along quarterly}, but you can also snag them online. I am guessing Amazon has some options, and although not acrylic, Target probably has something similar as well.

Hi Jen so many great ideas! Thanks for posting! If you would like to take a look at non toxic , effective and extremely affordable cleaners go to HollyKoeppeRN.myshaklee.com. The cleaners are so safe and less expensive than using vinegar and water !!

I love your organizing tips and all the tips on going green! you inspire me to tackle my clutter! It really helps your feng shei! I have some up coming home remodeling in our bathroom which is connected to our bedroom and I love your ideas on orgaization!

The drawers are a great idea! I'll have to look into those. And I can't wait to get a Silhouette so I can make cute labels like these!

We use almost all natural cleaners in our house, and we make them ourselves! I used the internet for research on recipes. Stock up on basic ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Oh and essential oils, if you like an extra smell. Our faves are lavender and lemon.

I bought my spray bottles at a dollar store, and they have held up really well for several months. We also make our own laundry detergent, which has blown our minds with how well it cleans. We made a batch in August, do at least 5 loads a week, and expect to not have to make our next batch for another month!! We use vinegar mixed w/lavender for fabric softener.

Sorry, that was long. I'm just in love with all of our cleaners (not to mention how much $$ we have saved)!!

Sure! But I can't take credit for it. I actually use a recipe from another blog, found here: http://itssoverycheri.com/2012/04/17/recipe-to-avoid-disasters-all-natural/

I do add Purex crystals, since I love that extra scent, but the detegerent alone is so refreshing.

I use 2-4 tbsp per load, depending on the size. For whites-only, I use an equal mix of half the detergent and half free and clear stain remover (Seventh Generation brand), and it really keeps them bright!

Hey all, just thought I'd let you all know if you add Peppermint to your lemon & Lavender, you will also have a really effective insect repellant as well - I know the lavender kills spiders, & I think the lemon kills ants and peppermint does other crawleys like cockroaches (but I could have that in the wrong order!) if your spraying daily, the smell in the air also deters flying insects. I havent had any real insect problems in my house for years, and it always smells nice!!

I found them at the Container Store {I always wait for their big Get Organized sale which seems to come along quarterly}, but you can also snag them online. I am guessing Amazon has some options, and although not acrylic, Target probably has something similar as well.

I actually use a Planet Wise wet bag to contain my dirty/wet dish rags. I lost many to mold and decided the bag would be perfect storage. I also like how it adds a fun print to my blah apartment kitchen.

You can see it in action in this blog post:http://www.glimmersnaps.blogspot.com/#!http://glimmersnaps.blogspot.com/2012/06/kitchen-cabinets.html

Always tweaking as family life and routines change. I have been making my own cleaners for over a year now and am also currently "hoarding" method cleaner bottles *(I got for almost free couponing) to use as my cleaner bottles. I love their shape!Pinterest for cleaner recipes!

Jen, have you heard of Norwex? If you are in to green cleaning, you would LOVE Norwex. I am sure there is a local rep in your area that would love to tell you all about it. Otherwise you can email me for more info. kel.bartlett@yahoo.comYour organized space looks fabulous as always!Kelly :-)

Use the Norwex towels with the silver in them and eliminate the srink from bacteria growing...just rinse, wring, and hang dry. I love their products. Eliminates the need for many cleaners all together.

How frquently do you use your gloves? We use ours for washing dishes at least twice a day and I worry that keeping them under the sink to dry out will make that space damp. Has anyone else noticed that at all?Thanks for your efficient ideas!Carrie

Since I rarely have to wash dishes by hand, I don't have to use the gloves all that often. However, a year back when I was watching kids all day every day, I washed all dishes by hand and used them far more frequently. Sometimes I would drape them over the sink to dry a bit and other times I would just leave the cabinet cracked, but I never had any issues with making under the sink damp.

I clean almost everything with vinegar. I use just straight vinegar to clean my toilets. I have a spray bottle with half water half vinegar that I use on the counters in every room. I have another bottle with vinegar and Dawn that I use to clean the shower. That bottle also gets used on the stove if dinner has been extra messy. And I throw vinegar in my mop water, it makes my floor so shiny and clean. I also clean my microwave with vinegar, I boil a bowl of vinegar for a few minutes and everything wipes right off. I put all of my vinegar for spraying in bottles from the Target dollar isle. And I just realized I sound vinegar crazy. I really do love it though and I've saved so much money cleaning with vinegar. I'm also allergic to a lot of things so this way I know exactly what is in my cleaner.

I just saw the drawer idea recently elsewhere for the first time and loved it there too, but what do you do if your cabinet bottom is lower than the edge of your cabinet door? Ours goes to the floor level (unlike normal cabinets), but is too small to waste the space under and other things don't seem to make sense to put under there (like pots & pans). What is stable and reasonably priced to position the drawers above the bottom lip of the cabinet frame???

Could you add some sort of a cabinet shelf under the pull out drawer? http://www.containerstore.com/shop?showDS=true&Ns=p_sort_default|0&Ntt=plate+shelf&submit=GO Store items under the shelf and then use the drawer above?

Thank you for this idea!!!! Our new house has the built in garbage drawer, but not a space for recycling. Our old house had a compartment for both garbage and recycling in the "trash drawer." This is an issue I've been trying to solve because running out to the main recycle bin several times a day is not working for me! Perfect idea! This is my official project for the weekend. Running out to the recycle bin even once a day would be a treat at this point. Awesome!!!

Love it! We love home made green cleaners. My favorite scrub (to replace Comet or anything that needs a good gentle scrub) is to dampen the surface with a wet rag, then sprinkle baking soda. With a warm wet rag, drop a few drops of Dr. Bronners (castile soap) - I like the citrus scent - and then scrub gently. My stainless steel sink, stovetop, bath tubs, and bathroom sinks have never been cleaner and prettier! Plus, it smells wonderful but without all the toxic fumes and ingredients. Toss lemon slices in your disposal from time to time and you have a deodorized and fresh smelling sink all together. Also a note I've picked up - vinegar and castile soap shouldn't be mixed - they counteract each other. Most of the recipes I see include both, but do a little research and you can learn why this isn't a good mix. :-)

I have IKEA's pull out double tiered rack under my sink. I need a new caddy though and need to clean it out under there. It's not too bad, but needs to be reorganized. I don't make my own cleaners though. Do they work well? I have bought some of the green cleaners, some not working as well. I am a big one for the vinegar. :) I keep plenty around. Works great for cleaning windows and such!! Oh, oven racks!! Works wonders! I fill up the kids tub with super hot water and dump a bunch of vinegar in and close the bathroom door, letting them soak for a few hours. I do use the vinegar and dish soap mix on my showers.

I keep mine in a milk crate in the laundry room. I just drape the wet rags over the edge and push them in after they dry. The ventilation in the crate helps keeps the mildew and smell away. I wash mine along with bath linens (the ones that cannot be bleached) on the sanitize cycle. A cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle will sanitize just as well.

Just discovered your blog today and LOVE it! I have been making my own natural cleaners for a few years and I've tried out tons of different recipes. A lot of them will tell you to use tea tree oil. It's a natural anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-lots-of-bad-stuff, but in my opinion it smells bad! Lavender oil is also natural and has the same "anti" properties but it smells amazing! Hope this tip helps!

JEN! you are awesome and can read my mind.. I swear I've been attempting to tackle the monsters under my sink and you have such great ideas(as always) maybe I'll get the urge to finally do something about the craziness tomorrow!

I have been putting off organising underneath our sink, it was a bit of a mess - I've just taken half an hour to clean and sort it all out properly, I even lined the bottom with some vinyl and I feel so much happier now :-)

It looks great! I love the idea of the drawers and I think I will use the ones i have from TCS for this purpose as well. Can you tell me where you bought the pull out recycle bin????? I love that this one is horizontal. The ones I have tried to buy have hardly fit because of my garbage disposal. I think this would work perfect. Thanks.

Ok Jen, you made me do it! LOL I have been tackling the WHOLE kitchen today. It has always been pretty organized. But when you have added things and have kids doing the dishes, things tend to need a little straightening. And I hear you on the fight with the pots and pans!! I have that same issues and it drives me bonkers. I don't have a bigger cupboard though. And why oh why couldn't they put in cabinets with the full shelf instead of the partial one on the base cabinets??

I just finished up my office space and our master bath. I thought I was done with the organizing, but after reading this post I just realized that I probably should tackle under the kitchen sink. I haven't done anything to that space since we moved in 3 months ago. lol Guess I know what I'll be doing later on.

I make my own laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent. It's super easy! just get some borax and arm and hammer washing soap and do a cup of each to make the dishwasher detergent. for the laundry detergent you do the same but also add in a shaved bar of fels naptha. this is wonderful for any type of washer, even high efficiency washers. and you can use vinegar for the spot rinse in the dishwasher, and as a softener in the washer.

I do the same! Started making our detergent last year and we will never go back :) it's safe for HE machines too, bonus! I posted about the process! so very easy... http://raisinguprubies.blogspot.com/2012/09/diy-laundry-soap.html

Love it!!! Our recycle can is labeled as well because no one seems to realize that when you see only cans in there, its recycle lol!!!

The strangest thing I have labeled are my dry erase and sharpie markers for the kitchen. Yes I HAD to label these! When my husband and I went on our honeymoon and returned ALL my dry erase and sharpie markers were GONE! Even the one in our BEDROOM on my dry erase board for school! I was furious! So I went out, bought more and labeled each one! Now everyone knows NOT to swipe them from their proper room ;)

I found them at the Container Store {I always wait for their big Get Organized sale which seems to come along quarterly}, but you can also snag them online. I am guessing Amazon has some options, and although not acrylic, Target probably has something similar as well. They are actually considered Shoe Drawers.

Obsessive nerd question regarding the vinegar label ... is your handwriting really that cute or is it a vinyl label? If it's a vinyl label, would you mind sharing the font? (If it's not, would you mind having a font created out of your handwriting? :) ) I can't WAIT until I get my Silhouette for Christmas and you can bet your booty I will be vinyl labeling everything in my whole darn house!!

What a great idea! I have been looking for some ideas on how to organize all the stuff under my kid's bathroom sinks. It's a total disaster zone! I believe that putting some drawers in there would be so helpful! Thanks for the great ideas. Oh and the command clips! Love that idea for hanging towels!

I'm just wondering if you've managed to get the covers off the Watkins spray bottles to reuse them for homemade cleaner. I wasn't able to on mine, and the company said it was how they were designed (so they wouldn't open during shipping (?)) but it also rendered them not recyclable in my area. I wasn't able to get to the last bit of cleaner, let alone reuse them, which is a bummer because I really liked the shape of the bottles, and I thought Watkins was supposed to be green-conscious. Perhaps they've changed that, though?

Hmmm, I didn't seem to have any trouble with the Watkins bottles, they were the easiest, the label came right off? But that was awhile ago also, I have two more Watkins bottles with original cleaner inside that I haven't tried to remove the label from yet. Method labels also come right off nice and clean, and I believe the green Martha cleaners do as well from what I have heard.

I have had one of those clear drawers for a while now from an old project where I no longer needed it. I knew there was another use for it but hadn't figured it out yet. This is brilliant! I'm actually out of sponges but as soon as I stock up they are going right under that drawer. This is why I love your blog. Keep up the great work!

The strangest thing ever labelled ... ah! when my mother was getting towards the end of her life, she INSISTED on trying to get along as she always had - she just made - adjustments ... so there I am one day at work, eating the sandwich my mother insisted on making for me - and - what the hell?! Out of my mouth I pull a tiny piece of paper and there, in my mother's unmistakeable handwriting were the words - JEAN'S SANDWICH - with the date ;)

I agree, the pink keep me giddy to clean. It's the little things right? I have seen pretty ones at HomeGoods, but I got mine on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030LMF6S/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=iheaorga-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0030LMF6S

Personally, I really love the Madesmart 17-1/4 by 11 by 18-1/4 to 32-Inch Expandable Under sink Shelf Organizer. I found it on Amazon for $16ish and have been using it for years. I hang my cleaners on the bars, can adjust the shelves as my needs or purchases change, and it's super-easy to see everything. (And I can, of course, put smaller boxes/dividers on the shelves, if I desire.)

Great post. My under-sink area is a mess with spare rags and bottles of homemade cleaners. I'm inspired to get some stacking drawers now! Another great source for homemade cleaning products is the book "Better Basics for the Home" by Annie Berthold-Bond. It's my housekeeping bible!

Hi Jen,I love your idea about stackable containers. I was thinking of getting wire shelves and put my boxes above and beneath it. I have Ikea boxes. They are very pretty. I recently found pull out garbage cans but to my dismay the pull out rail is wider by two inches, however the garbage can fits perfectly. My cabinet is 12 inches wide and the railing takes 14" of space. That wood plank (exactly the same as in the picture above) in between is taking up the space. Any idea? Or should I just keep the can outside? Will removing that wood divider plank help or will it have problems? Like does is it really there for support? Please advise. I can't return the cans,and will be a waste of money if I just throw it.

Hi. How do u get your family to keep it looking pretty? I work a lot of hours,& my husband & son will never go to the trouble of pulling out the caddy to get cleaner, put it back in, then pull it back out to put up the cleaner & then put it back in. I'll probably end up with bottles hanging off the edge our

falling over if they don't fit perfectly. Same for the drawers...plus I worry they'll spill things on those drawers our put dirty dusting rags back in there, the the clear drawers will end up looking horrible.

I work a lot of hours, so I don't want to make more work for myself having to constantly clean up after them like that. Does anyone else have little time & slobs who won't keep things tidy like me? If so, do u have any suggestions for keeping things like this organized & pretty? I want prettiness too, while still having a life...Help! :p

Jen, do you mind sharing where you purchased the clear drawers that you store your kitchen towels and sponges,etc. in? I keep mine in a drawer in a cabinet by the stove but should be kept near the sink area. Guess I need to go shopping at The container store.

IHeart you taking a moment to comment! Although I absolutely appreciate, consider and read each and every comment, I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious or spam like. This blog is my happy place, let's keep the drama at bay!

Don't see your comment? All comments are moderated and may take a moment to appear.